Retractable leaning towing handle system for wheeled baggage

ABSTRACT

A towing handle system for wheeled baggage includes first and second support posts, and a towing handle positionable between an upright position parallel to the support posts and a towing position at an angle with respect to the support posts. The towing handle includes a locking latch mechanism comprising an angle position element extending between the first and second posts, and the an angle position element has a ribbed outer surface. A locking element includes an inner surface received over the outer surface of the angle position element, and the inner surface lockingly engages the angle position element in a first orientation corresponding to the upright position and lockingly engages the angle position element in a second orientation defining the towing position.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 60/517,771 filed Nov. 4, 2003, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to wheeled baggage items having towinghandles for rolling the baggage along the ground, and more particularly,to retractable towing handles for wheeled baggage.

Various types of bags, from luggage items to briefcases and backpacks,now include wheels and a towing handle which allow the bags to be pulledalong a surface rather than being carried above the ground. The towinghandle is typically located on an end of the bag opposite the wheels,and the bag is pulled along the ground in an inclined position. Suchhandles can be very convenient and are now popular.

Typically, the towing handle is mounted to telescoping supportsextending alongside a back panel of the bag, and the handle isextendible for towing or retractable into the bag in a generally flushposition with an outer contour of the bag. Conventionally, the handleswere rigidly mounted to the supports and when the supports wereextended, the handle was in a fixed position relative to the supports.It has been found, however, that such handles can become uncomfortableto hold for an extended period of time. This is at least in part becausea significant portion of the weight of the bag is supported by the usergripping the handle.

Various types of handle systems have been developed to reduce userfatigue in towing baggage. For example, pivoting or rotatable handleshave been employed in an effort provide more comfortable pullingpositions. While known handle systems have had varying degrees ofsuccess in addressing these issues, many of them tend to be quitecomplicated, expensive to implement, and not as reliable as desired.

Also, many known towing handle systems are positioned in-line with thetelescoping supports in use, and therefore are positioned over thecenter of the bag as it is being towed. In such a position it is likelythat the bag may undesirably strike the heel of the person towing it andinterrupt the gait of the person.

It would be desirable to provide a towing handle for wheeled baggagewhich overcomes these and other disadvantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to an exemplary embodiment, a towing handle system for wheeledbaggage is provided. The handle system comprises first and secondsupport posts, and a towing handle positionable between an uprightposition parallel to the support posts and a towing position at an anglewith respect to the support posts. The towing handle comprises a lockinglatch mechanism comprising an angle position element extending betweenthe first and second posts, and the angle position element has a ribbedouter surface. A locking element comprises an inner surface receivedover the outer surface of the angle position element, and the innersurface lockingly engages the angle position element in a firstorientation corresponding to the upright position and lockingly engagesthe angle position element in a second orientation defining the towingposition.

Optionally, the towing position is oriented at substantially a 45° anglefrom the upright position, and a biasing element urges the lockingelement to one of a locked and unlocked position. A shell and a pushbutton coupled to the shell may be provided, and the push button unlocksthe locking element from the angle position element.

According to another exemplary embodiment, a baggage piece is provided.The baggage piece comprises a body comprising at least one body paneland a pair of wheels. First and second telescoping support posts arecoupled to the body, and a retractable towing handle is positionablebetween an upright position parallel to the support posts and a towingposition at an angle with respect to the support posts. The handleextends away from the body panel in the towing position, and the towinghandle comprises a handle shell and a locking latch mechanism mounted tothe shell. The locking latch mechanism comprises an angle positionelement mounted stationary to one of the shell and the supports, and theangle position element extends between the first and second posts andcomprises a first engagement surface. At least one locking element ismounted stationary to the other of the shell and supports, and thelocking element comprises a second engagement surface received over thefirst engagement surface of the angle position element. The secondengagement surface lockingly engages the locking element in a firstorientation corresponding to the upright position and lockingly engagesthe locking element in a second orientation defining the towingposition.

According to another exemplary embodiment, a piece of baggage isprovided. The baggage comprises a body defining a compartment forstowing an item for transport, wheels attached to the body, first andsecond telescoping support posts mounted to the body, and a towinghandle system. The towing handle system comprises a U-shaped handleshell pivotally mounted to the first and second support posts, a pushbutton coupled to the shell, first and second rocker arms pivotallymounted to the shell and responsive to movement of the push button, andfirst and second release cables coupled to the respective first andsecond rocker arms. A locking latch mechanism is coupled to the releasecables and extends transversely between the first and second supportposts at a distal end of the U-shaped handle, and the locking latchmechanism comprises an angle position element having a ribbed engagementsurface, and a locking element comprising a grooved engagement surfacereceived over the ribbed engagement surface of the angle positionelement. The grooved engagement surface lockingly engages the lockingelement in an upright position and lockingly engages the locking elementin a towing position wherein the handle shell is angled with respect thesupport posts.

In another embodiment, a handle assembly for a towable bag is provided.The handle assembly comprises a U-shaped shell and a locking latchmechanism mounted to the U-shaped shell. The locking latch mechanismcomprises a shaft mounted stationary to the shell and at least one ribextending from an outer surface of the shaft. A pair of locking elementsare slidably mounted to the shaft and movable along an axis of the shaftbetween locked and unlocked positions. The locking elements move inopposite directions from one another and the rib is located between thelocking elements in each of the locked and unlocked positions.

In still another embodiment, a handle assembly for a towable bag isprovided. The handle assembly comprises a U-shaped shell, and a lockinglatch mechanism mounted to the U-shaped shell. The locking latchmechanism comprises a position selector and locking plate, and theposition selector and the locking plate comprise engagement surfaceswhich mesh to position the shell relative to the locking plate. Theposition selector moves beneath the locking plate in an unlockedposition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is perspective view of a wheeled bag including a towing handlesystem formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 2 is a partial plan view of the bag shown in FIG. 1 with the handlein an extended position.

FIG. 3 illustrates the bag shown in FIG. 1 with the handle in a towingposition.

FIG. 4 illustrates the bag shown in FIG. 1 in a towing position.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the towing handle.

FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of the towing handle disconnected fromthe bag.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a positioning shaft for the towinghandle shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is an end view of the positioning shaft with a locking elementcoupled thereto.

FIG. 9 is a front elevational schematic view of the towing handle systemshown in FIGS. 1-4 in a locked position.

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a portion of the handle system.

FIG. 11 is a front elevational schematic view of the towing handlesystem shown in FIGS. 1-4 in an unlocked position.

FIG. 12 is a schematic assembly view of another embodiment of a towinghandle system.

FIG. 13 is a further assembly view of the towing handle system shown inFIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a resilient biasing member for the handlesystem shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a latch lever for the handle systemshown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 16 is a further assembly view of the towing handle system shown inFIGS. 12 and 13.

FIG. 17 is an assembled view of the towing handle system shown in FIGS.12, 13, and 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is perspective view of a wheeled bag 100 including a retractabletowing handle system 102 formed in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the invention. The bag 100 includes a body fabricated fromknown materials and having a back panel 104, side panels 106 and 108,top and bottom panels 110 and 112, and a front panel 114. The bodypanels 104, 106, 108, 110 and 114 collectively define a storage cavitywithin the body for storing and transporting desired items, such asclothing and personal items, therein for travel.

Wheels 116 are mounted to the lower end of the bag 100 in a knownmanner. While in the illustrated embodiment the bag 100 is a generalpurpose luggage bag, in alternative embodiments other types of wheeledbags may be employed, including but not limited to wheeled brief cases,duffel bags and the like as those in the art will appreciate. In FIG. 1,the towing handle system 102 is positioned within a recess 118 in thetop and back panels 110 and 104, respectively.

FIG. 2 illustrates a portion of the bag 100 with the towing handlesystem 102 in an extended position. The towing handle system 102includes a pair of telescoping support posts or poles 120 and a handleassembly 122 coupled to an end on the support posts 120. The supportposts 120 extend generally alongside the back panel 104, and are fixedlymounted to the bag 100 within the recess 118. In accordance with knowntelescoping supports, the support posts 120 include sliding supportmembers arranged in a concentric fashion, and the sliding membersinclude spring loaded pins (not shown) which engage apertures (notshown) to lock the supports in an extended position (FIG. 2) and aretracted position (FIG. 1). The handle assembly 122 includes a pushbutton 124 which, among other things, releases the pins from theapertures in the posts 120 and allows the posts 120 to telescope to theextended or retracted positions. The support posts 120 may be fabricatedfrom, for example, aluminum, according to a known process.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the pushbutton 124 also releases a lockinglatch mechanism (not shown in FIG. 3) which allows the handle assembly122 to move between an upright position (shown in phantom in FIG. 4)substantially parallel to the support posts 120, and a towing positionat a predetermined angle α with respect to the axis of the support posts120. Thus, in the towing position, the handle assembly 122 leans at theangle α with respect to the bag, and further, the handle assembly 122leans in a direction away from an axis 130 of the bag 100 and extendsaway from and beyond the back panel 104 of the bag 100.

FIG. 4 illustrates the bag 100 in a towing position with the bag 100inclined on a support surface 140 such as a floor and with the wheels116 in rolling contact with the support surface 140. In such a position,a user may grip the handle assembly 122 to tow the bag 100 in adirection of arrow A with the wheels 116 rolling on the support surface140. Because the handle assembly 122 is leaned at the predeterminedangle α in the towing position, an angle of inclination β of the bag 100with respect to the support surface 140 is greater than it wouldotherwise be if the handle assembly were located in the upright position(FIGS. 2 and 3). The increased angle of inclination β places the bag inmore of an upright position as it is towed in the direction of arrow A,and consequently more of the weight of the bag 100 is supported by thewheels 116 on the support surface 140 and less of the weight issupported by the user at the handle assembly 122. Thus, the leaninghandle assembly 122 in the towing position reduces the effective weightof the bag 100 experienced by the user and accordingly reduces fatiguewhen towing the bag 100.

Additionally, the leaning handle assembly 122 displaces the carryingposition of the handle assembly 122 farther away from the axis 130 ofthe bag 100. The bag 100 is therefore less likely to encroach upon andinterrupt the gait pattern of a user when towing the bag 100.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the towing handle system 102illustrating the handle assembly 122 coupled to an end of the supportposts 120. The handle system 102 includes a handle retainer housing 150which is mounted stationary to the support posts 120 with knownfasteners 152, such as rivets. The handle retainer housing 150 extendsbetween and connects the support posts 120 to one another, therebymaintaining the support posts 120 in a spaced apart relation to oneanother. In an exemplary embodiment, the handle retainer housing 150 isfabricated in two halves (only one of which is shown in FIG. 1) and isfabricated from, for example, plastic according to known techniques. Thehalves of the retainer housing 150 encase a locking latch mechanism (notshown in FIG. 5 but described below) which permits the handle assembly122 to move between the upright and towing positions.

The handle assembly 122 includes a U-shaped frame or shell 154 which ispivotally mounted to the handle retaining housing 150. The shell 154 ismovable relative to the handle retainer housing 150, and is selectivelypositionable between the upright and towing positions in the mannerdescribed below. Thumb rests 156 are provided in the shell 154 and thepush button 124 extends through an outer surface 158 of the shell 154.The shell 154 may be fabricated from, for example, plastic according toa known molding operation.

FIG. 6 illustrates the handle assembly 122 removed from the handleretainer housing 150 (shown in FIG. 5). The shell 154 includes an innerportion 160 and an outer portion 162 mating with the inner portion 160.Each of the inner and outer portions 160, 162 of the shell 152 includeopposite leg members 164, 166 respectively, and a cross member 168, 170,respectively, extending between and interconnecting the respective legmembers 164 and 166.

The inner portion 164 of the shell 154 includes contoured grip surfaces172. In an exemplary embodiment, the grip surfaces 172 are fabricatedfrom a resilient material such as rubber and are attached to the innerportion 164 of the shell 154 to provide a firm, yet comfortable grippingsurface on the interior surfaces of the shell 154. In an alternativeembodiment, grip surfaces 172 may be formed into the inner and outerportions 160 and 162 of the shell 154, or still further, the gripsurfaces 172 may be omitted in the handle assembly construction.

The legs 166 of the outer shell portion 162 include mounting feet 174located opposite the cross member 170, and the mounting feet 174 extendinwardly toward one another from the legs 166 of the U-shaped outershell 162. The shell inner portion 160 nests within the outer shellportion 162 with the legs 164 of the inner shell portion 160 restingupon the mounting feet 174 of the outer shell portion 162. In anexemplary embodiment, each of the mounting feet 174 includes a pivotbase 175, an alignment face 176 extending from the pivot base 175, aneck 177 extending axially from the alignment face 176, and a cradledisk 178 extending axially from the neck 177. The pivot base 175, theneck 177 and the cradle disk 178 are substantially aligned with oneanother along a transverse axis 180. The neck 177 has a reduced crosssectional area relative to the pivot base 175, and the cradle disk 178has a greater cross sectional area than the neck 177. In an exemplaryembodiment, the neck 177 and the cradle disk 178 are substantiallycylindrical in shape, while the pivot bases 175 are relatively square tomatch the contours of the handle shell 154. The pivot bases 175 arefurther rounded on a bottom surface 180 thereof to provide clearanceabove the handle retainer housing 150 (FIG. 5) as the handle assembly122 is moved relative thereto.

When assembled to the handle retainer housing 150 (FIG. 5), the pivotbases 175 of the mounting feet 174 extend exterior to the handleretainer housing 150 with the alignment face 176 adjacent outer edges ofthe handle retainer housing 150. The cradle disks 178 are received incradle slots (not shown) formed in the handle retainer housing 150, andas such, the cradle disks 178 may rotate within the cradle slots aboutthe transverse axis 180, but the cradle disks 178 are prevented frommoving relative to the handle retainer housing in a direction parallelto the transverse axis 180.

A locking latch mechanism 182 extends between the mounting feet 174 andis generally aligned along the transverse axis 180 between the cradledisks 178. In an illustrative embodiment, the locking latch mechanism182 includes a positioning shaft 184, stops 186 mounted to the shaft184, a pair of locking elements 188, and bias elements 190 extendingbetween the stops 186 and the locking elements 188. The positioningshaft 184 is mounted stationary to the mounting feet 174 of the shell154, and the locking elements 188 are received in cavities (not shown)formed in the handle retainer housing 150. The locking elements 188cooperate with positioning ribs 192, 194 on the shaft 184 to lock thehandle assembly 122 in the upright position and the towing position asset forth below. The positioning ribs 192 and 194 extend between thelocking elements 188, and the locking elements 188 are slidably mountedto the shaft 184 and are positionable toward and away from the ribs 192and 194 as explained below.

In an exemplary embodiment the bias elements 190 are helical compressionsprings, although it is appreciated that other resilient elements andspring elements may be provided to provide a bias force on the lockingelements 188 as described below. Also, in one embodiment, the stops 186are metal washers which are maintained in a predetermined position bythe handle retainer housing 150 when the handle assembly 122 isinstalled. It is contemplated, however, that stops 186 could be formedin the shaft 184 itself or otherwise provided in another known manner,including, for example, providing stop surfaces for the bias elements inthe handle retainer housing 150.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary positioning shaft 184including a substantially cylindrical outer surface 200 and thepositioning ribs 194, 192 projecting radially outward from the outersurface 200. The ribs 194, 192 extend parallel to a longitudinal axis206 of the shaft 184, and the ribs 192, 194 extend at an angularseparation which is substantially equal to the angle α (FIG. 3) betweenthe upright and towing positions of the handle assembly 122. In anexemplary embodiment, the angle α is approximately 45°, although it isunderstood that greater and lesser angles may be employed in alternativeembodiments. The locking elements 188 extend over the outer surface 200of the shaft, and when aligned with the positioning ribs 194 and 192 asexplained below, the locking elements 188 latch the handle assembly 122in the each of the upright and towing positions to position the handleassembly 122 with respect to the handle retainer housing 150 (FIG. 5) asdesired.

FIG. 8 illustrates an end view of the positioning shaft 184 and itsinteraction with an exemplary locking element 188. The locking element188 include a polygonal body 210 having an outer surface 212, an innersurface 214, and a release arm 216. The inner surface 214 issubstantially cylindrical and is slidaby mounted over the outercircumference of the shaft 184 and therefore completely surrounds thesurface 200 of the positioning shaft 184. Position slots 218, 220 and222 extend radially outwardly from the inner surface 214, and theposition slots 218, 220 and 222 are dimensioned to receive thepositioning ribs 192 and 194 of the shaft 184.

When the locking elements 188 are released to an unlocked position asexplained below, the shaft 184 is rotatable relative to and within theinner surface 214 of the locking elements 188, while the lockingelements 188 remain in a predetermined alignment within the handleretainer housing 150 (FIG. 5). By rotating the shaft 184 relative to thelocking elements 188, the relative positions of the positioning ribs 192and 194 of the shaft 184 with respect to the positioning slots 218, 220,and 222 may be changed.

In an exemplary embodiment, the release arm 216 of each locking element188 includes engagement slots 224 and 226 which guide or retain releasewires or cables (not shown in FIG. 8) for actuating the telescopingsupport posts 120 (FIGS. 2-5). An engagement slot 228 is also providedin the outer surface 212 of the locking element body 210, and the slot228 retains an release wire or cable for actuating the locking elements188 as set forth below. The outer surface 212 of the locking elements188 further includes stop features in the form of tabs and slots whichcooperate with complementary features in the handle retainer housing 150and/or the shaft 184 to restrict relative movement of the lockingelements 188 with respect to the shaft 184 as desired.

FIGS. 9-11 schematically illustrate the operation of the towing handlesystem 102. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the handle assembly 122 is coupledto the handle retainer housing 150, which is, in turn, mountedstationary to the support posts 120. The shell 154 of the handleassembly 122 is pivotally mounted to the handle retainer housing 150 viathe cradle disks 178, and the locking latch mechanism 182 extends acrossthe handle retainer housing 150 between the mounting feet 174. The stops186 mounted to the shaft 184 are maintained in a predetermined positionwith respect to the shaft 184 and the handle retainer housing 150, andthe bias elements 190 are seated against the stops 186 and provideinwardly directed bias forces F upon the locking elements 188 tomaintain the locking elements 188 in an engaged position with thepositioning ribs 192 and 194 of the shaft 184. The spring elements 190provide an equal but oppositely directed force on the respective lockingelements 188 to ensure that the locking elements 188 maintain engagementwith the ribs 192, 194 of the shaft 184.

An actuating assembly 240 is provided in the shell 154 of the housingassembly 122 for releasing the locking elements 188 from the shaft 184,and the actuating assembly includes the push button 124, rocker arms242, and release wires 244.

FIG. 10 schematically illustrates the inner portion 160 of the shell 154and its configuration for housing the actuating assembly 240 (FIG. 9).The shell inner portion 160 is fabricated with a push button seat 250therein, positioning rails 252 for the rocker arms 242 (shown in phantomin FIG. 10), and grooves 254 which guide the release wires 244 (FIG. 9)through the shell 154. The positioning rails 252 include depressedrounded cradles 256 which receive pivot arms 258 of the rocker arms 242.The rocker arms 242 may therefore pivot, swing, or rock within thecradles 256 between a locked position (FIG. 9) and an unlocked position(FIG. 11) when the pushbutton 124 is depressed downwardly into the shell154 (i.e., in a direction of arrow B).

As demonstrated in FIGS. 9 and 11, when the pushbutton 124 is depressedin the direction of arrow B, a lower rim 260 of the pushbutton 124displaces a first end 262 of the rocker arms 242 downward in thedirection of arrow B. The displacement of the first end 262 causes therocker arms 242 to rock on the pivot arms 258 within the shell 154, anda second end 264 of the rocker arms 242 is displaced upwardly in thedirection of arrow C (FIG. 11). The release wires 244 are attached tothe second end 264 of the rocker arms 242, and the upward displacementof the second ends 264 pulls the release wires 244 which are coupled tothe respective locking elements 188. The pulling of the release wires244 displaces the locking elements 188 in opposite directions D and E(FIG. 11) toward the respective mounting feet 174 of the handle assembly122. The release wires 144 pull and axially displace the lockingelements 188 in the direction of arrows D and E against the bias force F(FIG. 9) until the locking elements 188 clear the positioning ribs 192and 194 to an unlocked position as shown in FIG. 11. In the unlockedposition, the handle shell 154 and the positioning shaft 184 may befreely rotated about the transverse axis 180 to change the relativeposition of the handle assembly 122 with respect to the locking elements188, and correspondingly moving the handle assembly 122 between theupright position and the towing position.

As the handle assembly 122 and the shaft 184 are rotated within thelocking elements 188 in the unlocked position, when the shaft 184 isonce again aligned with the locking elements wherein the positioningribs 192 and 194 may be received by the locking elements 188, the biasforce F generated by the bias elements 190 forces the locking elements188 back toward one another to the locked position shown in FIG. 9wherein the locking elements are engaged to the ribs 192, 194. The forcefrom the bias elements 190 therefore automatically returns the lockingelements 188 to the locked position when the upright and towingpositions are obtained, and the user need do nothing to find theappropriate handle position. Rather, the handle assembly 122automatically locks into place when the towing position and uptightposition are obtained.

Further, as the locking elements move to the locked position, therelease wires 244 are pulled back to the locked position shown in FIG.9, which returns the rocking arms 242 to their original position. Thelower rim 260 of the push button 124 is displaced upwardly by the firstend 262 of the rocker arms 242 as the rocker arms 242 return toposition. Thus, the pushbutton 124 automatically returns to the lockedposition shown in FIG. 9 as the selected position of the handle assembly122 (i.e., the upright position or the towing position) is obtained.

Additionally, the support posts 120 include respective release wires270, 272. The release wires 270, 272 are attached to the lockingelements 188 at attachment points 274, 276, respectively. On each of thelocking elements 188, one of the slots 224, 226 (FIG. 8) in the releasearm 216 (FIG. 8) serves as a guide for one of the wires 270, 272, andthe other of the slots 224, 226 retains the other of the wires 270, 272.Thus, for each of the locking elements 188, one of the slots 224, 226 isa pass through slot for one of the release wires 270, 272, and the otherof the slots 224, 226 defines a connection point 274, 276 for fixedengagement of the respective wires 270, 272.

When the actuating assembly 240 is actuated to move the locking elements188 to the unlocked position (FIG. 11), the movement of the lockingelements 188 in the direction of arrows D and E pulls the release wires270 and 272 within the telescoping supports 120 to release a mechanism(not shown) and unlock the support posts for extension of the supportposts 120 from the bag 100 or retracting the support posts 120 into thebag 100. Likewise, as the locking elements 188 return to the lockedposition (FIG. 9), the locking elements 188 return the wires 270, 272 totheir original position with the supports 120 engaged in a lockedposition, whether extended or retracted.

The actuation assembly 240, via the locking elements 188, thereforeserves to simultaneously actuate the handle assembly 122 for rotationabout the transverse axis 180 and the telescoping supports 120. A usermay therefore extend and retract the supports 120 and rotate the handlebetween the upright and towing positions with one hand in a simple anddirect manner by actuating the pushbutton 124 and guiding the handleassembly 122 to the desired position. When the handle assembly 122and/or the telescoping supports 120 are properly aligned, the pushbutton 124 automatically returns to its original position and theactuating assembly 240 is effectively reset to its locked position.

The above described handle assembly 122 and towing handle system 102presents a reliable handle system for towing a bag 100 which isconvenient for persons towing the bag 100, more comfortable than manyknown handle system for towing bags, and is reliable in operation. Whenextended and leaned to the angle α (FIG. 3), the bag 100 is less likelyto interrupt the gait pattern of a towing person the bag 100.

While the handle assembly 122 is illustrated and described as beingmovable from an upright position to a singular towing position at theangle α, it is understood that the locking elements 188 and thepositioning shaft 184 may be appropriately modified to facilitatepositioning of the handle at other angular positions either greater thanor less than the angle α as desired. Additional towing positions may beprovided by adding more positioning ribs to the shaft 184 and more slotsto the locking members 188.

FIG. 12 is a schematic assembly view of another exemplary embodiment ofbaggage towing handle assembly 300 which is positionable to a towingposition at an angle α with respect to telescoping supports (not shownin FIG. 12) for more comfortable towing of a bag, such as the bag 100(shown in FIGS. 1-4). The handle assembly 300 includes an inner shell302 having an actuation assembly 304 mounted thereon, and an outer shell306 which is fitted to the inner shell 302 to form a U-shaped handleassembly. The inner shell 302 includes mounting feet 308 and cradledisks 310 extending therefrom. The actuation assembly 304 includes apush button 312, rocker arms 314 mounted proximate the push button 312,and release wires 316 coupled to the rocker arms 314. Each of therelease wires are coupled to a known spring loaded locking mechanism 318and a pair of lock pins 320 actuated by the locking mechanisms 318. Thelock pins 320 face inwardly toward one another, and each lock pin 320include a groove 322 formed therein.

FIG. 13 illustrates the handle 320 with the inner shell 302 and theouter shell 306 assembled. The lock pins 320 extend through a resilientbias element 330 which biases the lock pins 320 toward a predeterminedorientation, and a release lever 332 is attached to each respective lockpin 330.

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of an exemplary bias element 330, and in anexemplary embodiment the bias element 330 includes outer rigid layers340 and an elastic layer 342 sandwiched therebetween. The rigid layers340 include arc-shaped slots 344 and the elastic layer 342 includes around aperture 346 dimensioned to receive a lock pin 320 (FIG. 13). Whenassembled, the elastic layer 342 is secured between the rigid layers 340and the lock pin 320 extends through the slots 344 of the rigid layers340 and the aperture 346 of the elastic layer 342. The elastic layer 342is deformable and allows the pin 320 to move within the confines of theslots 344 to select a handle position, yet is resilient enough that oncea handle position is selected, the elastic layer 342 moves the lock pin320 back to its original position to lock the handle assembly 300 inplace. The rigid layers 340 may be fabricated from, for example, stampedsteel, and the elastic layer 342 may be fabricated from, for example, anelastomeric rubber material.

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary release lever 332 which includes alower section 350, and upper section 352, and pivot arms 354 extendingoutwardly in between the upper and lower sections 350 and 352. The lowersection 352 includes a closed slot 356 which retains a release wire (notshown) for the telescoping supports (not shown in FIG. 1) used with thehandle assembly 300. The upper section defines an open slot 358 whichreceives the groove 322 (FIG. 12) in a lock pin 320. The upper section352 is retained in the lock pin groove 320 such that when the lock pins320 move in the direction of arrow G (FIG. 13), the release levers 332pivot about the pivot arms and pull release wires attached to the lowersection 350 to actuate the telescoping supports.

FIGS. 16 and 17 further illustrate the handle assembly 300 and a lockinglatch mechanism 368 including an actuator housing 360 which may befixedly mounted to telescoping support posts (not shown) when the postsare received in support receptacles 362 formed in the housing 360. Thehousing 360 defines a cavity (not shown) which receives a dial positionselector 370 having a base 372 including apertures 374 for receiving thelock pins 320, positioning portions 376 extending upward from the base374, and a button portion 378 extending between the positioning portions376. The positioning portions 376 include a ribbed outer surface 378having projections or teeth extending thereon which are aligned apredetermined intervals with respect to one another. In an exemplaryembodiment, the ribs or teeth are positioned at 8° increments, althoughit is understood that greater or lesser angular separation may beemployed in further and/or alternative embodiments. The dial positionselector 370 further includes a lower extension 380 having receptaclestherein providing a seat for bias elements 384 (FIG. 17), such ashelical coil spring elements.

When the dial position selector 370 is fitted within the actuatorhousing 360 as shown in FIG. 17, locking plates 386 are extended overthe dial position selector 370, and the positioning portions 376 of theposition selector 370 are biased against the locking plates 386. Asillustrated in FIG. 16, an inner surface 388 of the locking plates 386are ribbed in a complementary manner to the positioning portions 376 ofthe dial position selector 370, wherein the positioning portions 376 andthe inner surfaces 388 may mesh with one another in a tongue and grooveconfiguration to orient the dial position selector 370 with respect tothe locking plates 386 and hence determine a stable orientation of thehandle assembly 300 with respect to the actuator housing 360. Stableorientations may be provided at each angular increment according to theincrements of the ribs in the respective surfaces of the locking plates386 and the dial position selector 370. Thus, the handle assembly may bepositioned at a number of different angles (e.g., 37°, 45° and 53°) withrespect to the actuator housing 360 to provide a number of differenttowing positions, in addition to the upright position.

FIG. 17 illustrates the handle assembly 300 in an assembled conditionwherein a cover plate 400 retains the locking latch assembly 368together. The bias elements 384 provide an upwardly directed force inthe direction of arrow H on the position selector 370, and the biasforce maintains the dial position selector 370 in contact with thelocking plates 386. To release the handle assembly 300 for rotation froman upright position to a towing position, or from one towing position toanother, the push button 312 is depressed downwardly in the direction ofarrow I, which cause the rocker arms 314 to pivot and pull the releasewires 316 to actuate the locking mechanisms 318 and pull the lock pins320 in opposite directions J and K away from the dial position selector370. Once the lock pins 320 are free of the position selector 370, thebutton 378 of the dial position selector 370 may be depressed downwardlyin the direction of arrow I, and the selector 370 is displaceddownwardly against the bias of the bias elements 384.

Once the position surfaces 376 of the selector 370 clear the innersurfaces 388 of the locking plates 386 when the button 378 is depressed,the locking plates 386 and the handle shell may be rotated over the dialposition selector 370 to another relative orientation. When the button378 of the dial position selector 370 is released, the bias elements 384return the dial position selector 370 upwardly in the direction of arrowH until the positioning surfaces 376 of the dial position selector 370lockingly engage the locking plates 386 in a locked position. The springloaded locking mechanisms 318 engage the locking pins 320 in the newposition and the handle is ready for towing.

Additionally, when the push button 312 is actuated to move the lockingpins 320 to the unlocked position, the movement of the locking pins 320in the direction of arrows J and K cause the release levers 332 to pivotand pulls release wires 316 within the telescoping supports to release amechanism (not shown) and unlock the support legs for extension orretraction from the associated bag.

Thus, unlike the handle assembly 122 described above, the handleassembly 300 utilizes two step actuation to release and rotate thehandle assembly 300. Nonetheless, and like the handle assembly 122, thehandle assembly 300 presents a reliable handle system for towing a bagwhich is convenient for persons towing the bag, more comfortable thanmany known handle system for towing bags, and is reliable in operation.When extended and leaned to an angle α (as illustrated in FIG. 3), thehandle 300 is less likely to interrupt the gait pattern of a persontowing person the bag.

While the invention has been described in terms of various specificembodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the inventioncan be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of theclaims.

1. A towing handle system for wheeled baggage comprising: first andsecond support posts; a towing handle positionable between an uprightposition parallel to said support posts and a towing position at anangle with respect to said support posts, said towing handle comprisinga locking latch mechanism comprising: an angle position elementextending between said first and second posts, said angle positionelement having a ribbed outer surface; and a locking element comprisingan inner surface received over said outer surface of said angle positionelement, said inner surface lockingly engaging said angle positionelement in a first orientation corresponding to the upright position andlockingly engaging said angle position element in a second orientationdefining the towing position.
 2. A towing handle system in accordancewith claim 1 wherein said towing position is oriented at substantially a45° angle from the upright position.
 3. A towing handle system inaccordance with claim 1 further comprising a biasing element urging saidlocking element to one of a locked and unlocked position.
 4. A handlesystem in accordance with claim 3 wherein said biasing element comprisesa helical spring element.
 5. A handle system in accordance with claim 3wherein said biasing element comprises an elastomeric element.
 6. Atowing handle system in accordance with claim 1 further comprising ashell and a push button coupled to said shell, said push buttonunlocking said locking element from said angle position element.
 7. Atowing handle system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said angleposition element comprises a cylindrical shaft.
 8. A towing handlesystem in accordance with claim 1 wherein said locking element comprisesa locking plate having ribs located thereon at predetermined increments.9. A towing handle system in accordance with claim 1 wherein saidlocking element comprise a body defining an opening, said angle positionelement received in said opening wherein said body completely surroundsa circumference of said angle position element.
 10. A towing handlesystem in accordance with claim 1 further comprising at least onelocking pin interfacing with the angle position element.
 11. A towinghandle system in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a U-shapedhandle shell extending above said first and second support posts.
 12. Atowing handle system in accordance with claim 11 further comprisingfirst and second rocker arms pivotally mounted to said shell oppositesaid locking latch mechanism.
 13. A baggage piece comprising: a bodycomprising at least one body panel and a pair of wheels; first andsecond telescoping support posts coupled to said body; and a retractabletowing handle positionable between an upright position parallel to saidsupport posts and a towing position at an angle with respect to saidsupport posts, said handle extending away from said body panel in saidtowing position, said towing handle comprising: a handle shell; and alocking latch mechanism mounted to said shell, said locking latchmechanism comprising: an angle position element mounted stationary toone of said shell and said supports, said angle position elementextending between said first and second posts and comprising a firstengagement surface; and at least one locking element mounted stationaryto the other of said shell and supports, said locking element comprisinga second engagement surface received over said first engagement surfaceof said angle position element, said second engagement surface lockinglyengaging said locking element in a first orientation corresponding tothe upright position and lockingly engaging said locking element in asecond orientation defining the towing position.
 14. A baggage piece inaccordance with claim 13 wherein said towing position is oriented atsubstantially a 45° angle from the upright position.
 15. A towing handlesystem in accordance with claim 14 wherein said at least one lockingelement comprises a pair of locking elements, each of said lockingelements slidably mounted to said angle position element.
 16. A handlesystem in accordance with claim 14 wherein said at least one lockingelement comprises a pair of locking elements movable between locked andunlocked positions, said handle further comprising a pair of springelements biasing said respective locking elements to one of the lockedand unlocked positions.
 17. A baggage piece in accordance with claim 13wherein said first engagement surfaces comprises a first ribcorresponding to the upright position and a second rib corresponding tothe towing position.
 18. A baggage piece in accordance with claim 13,wherein said first engagement surfaces comprises pair of ribs, andwherein the at least one locking element comprises a pair of lockingelements, said pair of ribs extending between said pair of lockingelements.
 19. A towing handle system in accordance with claim 13 furthercomprising a push button coupled to said shell, said push buttonunlocking said locking element from said angle position element.
 20. Atowing handle system in accordance with claim 13 wherein said angleposition element comprises a cylindrical shaft mounted stationary tosaid shell.
 21. A towing handle system in accordance with claim 13wherein said locking element comprises a locking plate, said angleposition element movable beneath said locking plate in an unlockedposition.
 22. A towing handle system in accordance with claim 13 whereinsaid shell is U-shaped.
 23. A towing handle system in accordance withclaim 13 further comprising first and second rocker arms pivotallymounted to said shell opposite said locking latch mechanism.
 24. A pieceof baggage comprising: a body defining a compartment for stowing an itemfor transport; wheels attached to said body; first and secondtelescoping support posts mounted to said body; and a towing handlesystem comprising: a U-shaped handle shell pivotally mounted to saidfirst and second support posts; a push button coupled to said shell;first and second rocker arms pivotally mounted to said shell andresponsive to movement of said push button; first and second releasecables coupled to said respective first and second rocker arms; and alocking latch mechanism coupled to said release cables, said lockinglatch element extending transversely between said first and secondsupport posts at a distal end of said U-shaped handle; said lockinglatch mechanism comprising: an angle position element having a ribbedengagement surface; and a locking element comprising a groovedengagement surface received over said ribbed engagement surface of saidangle position element, said grooved engagement surface lockinglyengaging said locking element in an upright position and lockinglyengaging said locking element in a towing position wherein said handleshell is angled with respect said support posts.
 25. A baggage piece inaccordance with claim 24 wherein said towing position is oriented atsubstantially a 45° angle from the upright position in a direction awayfrom said body.
 26. A towing handle system in accordance with claim 24wherein said at least one locking element comprises a pair of lockingelements, each of said locking elements slidably mounted to said angleposition element.
 27. A handle system in accordance with claim 25further comprising a pair of spring elements biasing said respectivelocking elements toward a locked position.
 28. A towing handle system inaccordance with claim 25 further comprising a push button coupled tosaid shell, said push button unlocking said locking element from saidangle position element.
 29. A towing handle system in accordance withclaim 24 wherein said angle position element comprises a cylindricalshaft mounted stationary to said shell.
 30. A towing handle system inaccordance with claim 24 wherein said angle position element comprises alocking plate, said angle position element movable beneath said lockingplate in an unlocked position.
 31. A towing handle system in accordancewith claim 24 further comprising first and second lock pins coupled tosaid first and second release wires, respectively.
 32. A baggage piecein accordance with claim 24, wherein said angle position elementcomprises pair of ribs and wherein the locking element comprises a pairof locking elements, said pair of ribs extending between said pair oflocking elements.
 33. A towing handle system in accordance with claim 24wherein said angle position element comprises a shaft mounted stationaryto said shell, said shaft extending along a longitudinal axis, saidlocking element comprising a body receiving a circumference of saidshaft, said locking element moving parallel to said longitudinal axis tolatch and unlatch said locking element from said shaft.
 34. A towinghandle system in accordance with claim 33 wherein said locking elementcomprises a pair of locking elements, one of the pair of lockingelements moving in a first direction, and the other of the pair oflocking elements moving in a second direction opposite the firstdirection to latch and unlatch said locking element from said shaft. 35.A towing handle system in accordance with claim 24 wherein said lockingelement comprises a pair of locking elements, and further comprising apair of resilient elements applying oppositely directed biasing forcesto said pair of locking elements.
 36. A handle assembly for a towablebag, said handle assembly comprising: a U-shaped shell; and a lockinglatch mechanism mounted to said U-shaped shell, said locking latchmechanism comprising a shaft mounted stationary to said shell and atleast one rib extending from an outer surface of said shaft; and a pairof locking elements slidably mounted to said shaft and movable along anaxis of said shaft between locked and unlocked positions, said lockingelements moving in opposite directions from one another and said riblocated between said locking elements in each of said locked andunlocked positions.
 37. A handle assembly in accordance with claim 36further comprising rocker arms pivotally mounted to said shell, saidrocker arms coupled to said locking elements and moving said lockingelements to said locked position when actuated.
 38. A handle assemblyfor a towable bag, said handle assembly comprising: a U-shaped shell;and a locking latch mechanism mounted to said U-shaped shell, saidlocking latch mechanism comprising a position selector and lockingplate, said position selector and said locking plate comprisingengagement surfaces which mesh to position said shell relative to saidlocking plate, said position selector moving beneath said locking platein an unlocked position.
 39. A handle assembly in accordance with claim38 further comprising locking pins received by said position selector ina locked position, and an elastomeric bias element biasing said lockingpins to a predetermined position.